Japan's bear parks face scrutiny over conditions and treatment

Melbourne is a thriving haven for the queer community, with its landmark Pride Centre among the jewels in the crown, writes Denise Pilien In the aftermath of the lockdown years, Melbourne took tentative steps to a post-pandemic life -- and among the shining lights to grace the city was the Victorian Pride Centre, the first purpose-built centre for Australia's LGBTIQ+ communities. Located in St Kilda, it is a place of safety, inclusion and celebration. Abby Pedersen share

A 2000s nostalgia romp with a party edge, this Aussie band is making musical magic with the memories of a generation, Louie Cina writes. Playlunch is far from the average new arrival on the Australian music scene. Born out of a chaotic sharehouse in lockdown and gaining virality from songs about the infamous ‘No Hat, No Play’ policy at primary schools, ABC3 shows, and Kath & Kim , they’re on a loud, funky mission to show young people the joys of the live music scene. “[I] s

Matthew Parkhill and Ruby Alexander report from the "Disrupt Land Forces" protest in Melbourne's CBD. An anti-war protest at a weapons convention turned violent on Wednesday as protesters and police clashed near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Land Forces -- a three-day convention for government and military officials to meet with weapons manufacturers and see their wares -- has become a symbol for pro-Palestine groups of Australia's support of Israel. Under

An anti-war protest at a weapons convention turned violent as protesters and police clashed near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Cen

Left Write Hook, winner of the MIFF 2024 Audience Award, is a knockout documentary that leaves you in awe of its strength; The woman at the centre of it every bit more so, Writes Matthew Parkhill. Content Warning: References to Incest and Child Sexual Abuse Donna Lyon is a doer. An activist; senior lecturer; filmmaker; author; CEO and founder of a not-for-profit recovery program for adult child sexual abuse survivors, Lyon radiates strength. Her program combines the physica

The AFL finals series continues Saturday with the all-Sydney qualifying final and the elimination clash between Carlton and Brisbane. Michael Pike and Darcy McCartin rate their finals form. SYDNEY SWANS Michael Pike Sydney have looked like the best team in the competition since the outset, despite a stumble in the twilight of the home and away season which saw them inexplicably drop points to a St. Kilda team who weren’t a factor in the finals hunt, as well as an 112-point

The AFL finals series continues Friday night with the Marvel Stadium clash between the Bulldogs and the Hawks.

For Australians like The Burne 's One-Bear Madrid , the emergence of breaking as an Olympic phenomenon was very personal. Rewards come to those who strive for ultimate personal goals, and there is none higher than Olympic selection. Growing up in an indigenous native and Latin American culture, dancing was always an integral part of my upbringing. I recall, at age 11, when my cousins and I formed a rap/breakdancing crew. We were novices, and my aunt bought some silk material

Groups in Melbourne’s West are holding demonstrations to rid the suburb of a neo-Nazi holdout. Aaron Carriero reports. Far-right activists get all the headlines — but standing in opposition to them in Melbourne are activists like Sam Forbes, who is on the frontlines of fighting back against the rise of neo-Nazi activity. In short, where they show the facesm, so do Forbes and his fellow campaigners. “Every time they show their face, we want to show our face as well, and sho

Many Australians are discovering they have ADHD with social media platforms like TikTok -- but some professionals fear that misinformation is rife, Tori Goldsbrough reports. Social media can be so much more than just a place for memes and music and messages with your friends. Just ask Melbourne musician and DJ Raphael Chavez, who has recently had a life-changing diagnosis of ADHD. “It changed my life – and it all started with TikTok,” Chavez says. “I kept on looking on [TikT

In a digital landscape of excessive promotion and relentless advertisements a craving for authenticity on social media platforms is redefining the dynamics between brands, influencers, and their audiences. Ashley Bell reports. Distinguishing authenticity from advertising in the digital world of social media and influencing has become increasingly challenging -- and as the line between content and ads continues to blur, demand has grown among Gen Z consumers for truly authenti